§. 46. Of the unlawfulness of worshipping Angels or any other creatures.
GOD having reserved this as a priviledge to his Church, not to be put in subjecti∣on to Angels, how basely and unworthily do they carry themselves who pre∣tending to be of this world to come, do notwithstanding put themselves into subje∣ction to Angels? so do such as worship Angels. It appears that men were too much addicted to this kinde of superstition in the Apostles time. For it is condemn∣ed by an Apostle, and the vain pretence for it is discovered, Col. 2. 18. That pre∣tence is stiled voluntary humility: which is, as of old it was called, will-humility and hypocriticall humility. Indeed it is an high presumption against God who only is to be worshipped, and against his Son Christ, who only is advanced to the right hand of God, (See chap. 1. §. 13.) and against the Saints, who are of this world to come: and in that respect not put in subjection unto Angels. To make pretence of worship for which there is no warrant in the Word of God, savoureth too ran•…•…∣ly of intollerable insolency. Angels themselves, who well understand what is do•…•… or not due unto them, have utterly refused to be worshipped by men, Rev. 19. 10 & 22. 9.
In this it is manifest that Papists are not of this world to come: because in their do∣ctrine they maintain that Angels are to be worshipped: and in their daily practice do worship Angels.
The Pope of Rome doth also herein shew himself to be plain Antichrist, in the he putteth all that adhere to him in subjection to himself, as to Christs Vicar, and as to the Head of the Church: which is Christs prerogative given unto him by the Father, Eph. 1. 22. To what Bishop said God at any time, Be thou the Head of my Church? or, Let my Church be put in subjection to thee? Is not this to oppose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped? 2 Thess. 2. 4.
Let us, Brethren, stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, Ga•…•… 5. 1. Let us not slavishly put our selves in subjection to any to whom God hath not put us in subjection: but let us reserve our selves free for him alone to whom God hath put us in subjection. He is the only Lord of our conscience, to him only let 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be in subjection.